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About Eyemouth
Eyemouth is a town full of character, small, friendly with wonderful countryside close by, and all the delights of a working harbour. With a population around 3600, Eyemouth is located on the South East coast of Scotland, seven miles north of Berwick Upon Tweed, approximately one hours drive from Edinburgh or Newcastle, two hours from Glasgow or Carlisle. Eyemouth is Scotland's second largest inshore fishing port; fishing remains the mainstay of the local economy but tourism also plays a large part.
Though small, Eyemouth is a town that offers something for everyone. Part seaside resort, part working fishing harbour, its attractions include an interesting layout, nice buildings and a fascinating history. The Eye Water flows north into the North Sea here and the natural harbour formed by the river mouth has been used as far back as the 1200s, and probably much further.
During Henry VIII's incursions into Scotland during the 1540s the English used the port and built an artillery fort on the east side of the Eye Water. This occupied the area behind the site used in 1755 for one of Eyemouth's most distinctive buildings, Gunsgreen House.
Eyemouth's harbour stretches back along the Eye Water, effectively forming the eastern edge of the town. Fishing played a vital part in the local economy as early as 1298: but it has also been a source of tragedy. During the 1800s Eyemouth's harbour was not improved as quickly as many, and its entrance was very tricky in rough weather. This meant that in 1881 when a sudden storm blew up while the fleet was out at sea 189 fishermen, including 129 from Eyemouth itself, lost their lives. The harbour was later improved to provide a much safer entrance, but too late for many of its fishermen.
In earlier times Eyemouth was notorious as a centre for smuggling. As the Scottish port nearest the continent it became a natural place for the illicit import of spirits and other goods. One report suggested that the roof space of Gunsgreen House overlooking the harbour was regularly used as a store for smuggled tea.
In the part of the town nearest the harbour you find the Auld Kirk, now used as the Eyemouth Museum (see picture above). The museum has on display a tapestry commemorating the 1881 fishing disaster. Opposite the Auld Kirk is the attractive Town Hall. As you move west through this small town, the sense of a working fishing harbour is quickly replaced by that of a seaside resort. Eyemouth offers a sandy north-facing beach framed by the black rocks of the bay to the west and the harbour walls to the east. This is backed by enough of the usual seaside attractions to give the area a little of that candy-floss atmosphere, without overpowering it. And linking the two sides of the town is an attractive shopping street.
THINGS TO DO AND SEE:
Ayton Castle - Victorian castle in red sandstone, now fully restored and lived in by the owners. Open to the public.
Eyemouth Fishmarket - The public can watch early morning trading of fish. Viewing deck over the harbour and small interpretation centre.
Fort Point - Earthworks showing the remains of a fort built in 1547
Smokehouse Gallery - Regular exhibitions by local and well known artists, such as John Bellany.
Eyemouth Museum - Exhibitions on farming, milling, and Eyemouth's fishing heritage.
Eyemouth Leisure Centre - 2 swimming pools, fitness suite, sunbed, sauna and steam room.
Coldingham Bay - a sheltered, sandy bay for swimming, paddling and sunbathing.
St. Abbs - home of the historical St. Abbs Head.
Sporting activities in Eyemouth are plentiful and widely varied, including golf (the town is home to Britain's 'most extraordinary golf hole'!), walking, fishing and sea angling, cycling, diving and water sports, sailing and boat trips, nature and wildlife trails.
'World of Boats' is a collection of nearly 400 boats and 300 plus models with supporting archive from across the world and spanning many centuries. At its core is the former Exeter Maritime Museum collection of Ethnic, European coastal, Day Sailing and other interesting craft of historic significance.
The collection is in the process of being moved to the port of Eyemouth at the centre of the stunning scenic World Heritage East Coast Scottish Border landscape. Here the collection will be progressively restored and conserved as an asset of global significance.
Many of the craft are unique and are the last known examples of their kind anywhere in the world. Put together over a period of 50 years they represent the story of mankind and his need to cross water for reasons of trade, fishing, emigration, escape, war and last but by no means least, pleasure.
Seals at Eyemouth Harbour
A visit to Eyemouth would not be complete without going to see the seals who reside in the harbour at Eyemouth. You can even buy some fish from the nearby fish stand (five fish for just £1) and feed the seals yourself using the long fishing rod and peg. The kids will love it!!
